L AKEFRONT RESTAUR ANTS
LAKES AREA DINING PROVIDES LIMITED OPTIONS FOR WATER VIEWS
B Y MIKE SCOT T
“ The only water front restaurant the township has is the 4th Taver n Lakehouse on Crescent Lake It has become ver y popular, and the owner has approved plans to expand the water front options even more, ” wrote Water ford Township Director of Development Ser vices Jeffrey Polkowski
One reason few Oakland County restaurants sit on a lake is the value of lakefront proper ty Based on proper ty listings on sites like Realtor com, many Oakland County lakefront homes range from $750,000 to $1 2 million in value Zoning guidelines in local communities may also be a reason for fewer than expected options
Some restaurants on this list have a par tial view of a nearby or border lake while others are accessible by boat and even snowmobiles in the winter Those restaurants we did find var y by food options, ambiance and price Most have a “neighborhood lake” filled with live music, American fare, and are best known for burgers and beer
Some, but not all of these restaurants, accept reser vations or call-ahead seating, especially on war m weekend evenings
4th Tavern L ake House
4th Taver n is a tr ue water front restaurant situated along the shores of Crescent Lake in Water ford It offers a relaxed “lake house” atmosphere with expansive views of the water The menu focuses on elevated American classics, including steaks, seafood, burgers, pastas, and shareable appetizers, complemented by a full bar and popular br unch options
Stepping inside of 4th Taver n
Lake House and patrons will experience a lively yet polished environment featuring a large indoor dining space and a spacious outdoor patio that overlooks the Crescent Lake Guests can even ar rive by boat during war mer months With direct lake access, 4th Taver n Lake House is one of the few tr ue lakeside dining destination in Oakland County 4710 Cooley
Lake Road Water ford Township 48327 / 248 622 4159
4thtaver n com
Aurora on the L ake
Aurora on the Lake is a lakefront expansion of the original restaurant, Aurora Italiana It is an upscale Italian restaurant adjacent to Union Lake located near the border of Commerce Township and West Bloomfield The location housed “It’s a Matter of Taste” for many years until undergoing an ownership change in 2023 Aurora on the Lake offers a blend of refined dining and scenic water front views
Inspired by the relaxed elegance of coastal Italy, the restaurant features a welcoming interior with a spacious seasonal deck overlooking the lake It ser ves classic Italian fare from fresh pastas, seafood, steaks to woodfired pizzas that may be paired with a curated wine list and craf t cocktails The atmosphere is wellsuited for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings, with flexible seating and event space available 2323 Union Lake Road Commerce Township 48382 / 248.360.6650 auroraitaliana com
Beach T iki Bar
& Boil
The Beach Tiki Bar & Boil is a casual, water front restaurant located in downtown Walled Lake, situated on Walled Lake The casual restaurant offers a beachstyle atmosphere with scenic views of the water and a festive summer-time setting Known for its seafood boils, fish tacos, shrimp dishes, and classic American bar fare, Beach Tiki Bar & Boil also offers an extensive drink selection, including dozens of beers on tap
The environment is lively and relaxed, featuring outdoor seating, live enter tainment on weekends, and a tr ue tiki bar vibe that draws summer crowds Direct seating along Walled Lake gives diners a tr ue lakeside dining experience 142 E Walled Lake Dr. Walled Lake 48390 / 248 669 3322 thebeachtikibar com
The Boat Bar
The Boat Bar is a classic local bar and grill option located just outside the village of Or tonville with limited views of Bald Eagle Lake Known for its casual, no -frills atmosphere, The Boat Bar ser ves classic American bar fare like burgers, traditional American sandwiches, and hear ty comfor t food alongside a full bar with beer, wine and craf t cocktails
The environment makes the restaurant feel more toward a
neighborhood hangout, with the obvious regular customers enjoying of ten live music and a lively crowd There is a relaxed, social setting with outdoor seating that encourages patrons to come dressed casually for a comfor table experience
2000 S Or tonville Road Or tonville 48462 / 248-627-4419
theboatbar net
Crescent L ake Inn J&L
Crescent Lake Inn J & L is a lively bar and grill in Water ford, set along Crescent Lake Like some other restaurants on this list, Crescent Lake Inn has a friendly, neighborhood hangout vibe and ser ves hear ty American comfor t food The views are excellent as the building sits along the shoreline with good war m weather views and a frequent breeze to cool off patrons on hot, summer nights
The menu is filled with an ar ray of burgers, sandwiches, calzones, fish and shrimp dinners, nachos, and more similar items at competitive prices There’s a full bar with regular live music some evenings and on weekends Crescent Lake Inn is known for latenight eats, casual drop-in dinners, or just a place for drinks with friends and neighbors 4904 Elizabeth Lake Road Water ford Township 48327 / 248 681 1468
crescent-lake-inn-j-l resmenu.net
Deer L ake Athletic Club (Back Court Restaurant)
The Deer Lake Athletic Club operates a tennis, pickleball and racquet ball club with a gym, but
is best known by some for its onsite Back Cour t Restaurant The restaurant has par tial views of Deer Lake a few hundred yards, and blends a classic club atmosphere with relaxed, familyfriendly appeal
The menu features American favorites like steaks, seafood, soups, pasta and comfor t dishes, complemented by a full bar and occasional live enter tainment Inside, the space is war m and inviting, with rich wood finishes, and a cozy fireplace An L-shaped bar is an option for casual diners or those looking to grab a quick drink Non-members of Deer Lake Athletic Club are welcome 6167 White Lake Road Suite 1, Clarkston 48346 / 248 625 8686 deerlakeathleticclub com
Driftwood Bar & Grill
Drif twood Bar & Grill is a casual, water front bar and grill in Novi sitting right on the shore of Walled Lake It has an upscale bar food menu with hear ty burgers and sandwiches along with pricier meals like seafood pasta and lamb chops There’s a full bar with craf t beers, cocktails, and br unch on weekends
Patrons can dine indoors or enjoy the relaxed outdoor deck on war m-weather days and nights with scenic, of ten sunset views The atmosphere is laidback and
social, with plenty of outdoor seating It’s a place known for lunch, dinner, drinks, or br unch by the water for residents in and around Novi
1103 E. Lake Drive Novi 48377 / 248 668 9005 drif twoodnovi com
Harbor Steak House
Harbor Steak House is another situated among numerous lakes near the Keego Habor and Orchard Lake border Some seats in the restaurant have a par tial view of a canal connected to Cass Lake, but patrons are likely to find boaters headed there before or af ter a day on the lake in the summer
The restaurant features a traditional American steakhouse menu with steaks, seafood, pasta, burgers, and a full bar The interior has changed little over the past couple of decades, with an oldschool lakeside ambiance Harbor Steak House blends decades of histor y with a menu of many options Its longevity and loyal following make it a staple for both longtime residents and newcomers
3251 Orchard Lake Road Keego Harbor 48320 / 248 682 0320 harborsteakhouse.net
Located across from Pavilion Shore Park on Walled Lake, Lakeview Bar
L akeview Bar & Grill
& Grill lives up to its name with clear lake views, especially from its summer time patio seating It’s atmosphere mir rors that of many restaurants on this list – casual, comfor table and classic The interior vibe remains relaxed and unpretentious Patrons of ten come with flip flops and sandals, given the clear lake views
Lakeview Bar & Grill’s menu offers classic lakefront bar options like burgers, sandwiches, salads, and hear ty entrees Diners are likely to find what they want from an expansive beer and cocktail menu 43393 W 13 Mile Road Novi 48377 / 248 624 2800 lakeviewofnovi.com
Prime 7 Bar & Restaurant
Lake views and fun food are the hallmarks of Prime 7 Bar & Restaurant, a casual bar and grill in Commerce Township with scenic views of Cooley Lake The restaurant has a combined Italian-American food theme that blends classic American favorites with Italian-inspired dishes in a relaxed setting
The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, steaks, salads, seafood, pasta, and more, alongside a full bar and weekly events like weekday happy hours and live enter tainment The interior is cozy and welcoming, with outdoor seating to enjoy nice weather for groups large and small 8635 Cooley Lake Road Commerce Township 48382 / 248 242 4772
prime7commerce.com
Sprader ’s on the L ake
There are few restaurants in Oakland County reachable by boat, but Sprader's On the Lake is one It has long been a popular water front hangout in White Lake Township directly on the shores of Oxbow Lake, with a friendly, divebar vibe and scenic outdoor patio There are great views of the water and the chance to dock a boat for those who want to grab a bite or drink
The menu favors classic bar fare and snacks, paired with a solid selection of beers, cocktails, and fun weekly events like live music and karaoke Indoor seating and a lakeside deck offer an ar ray of seating Sprader ’ s was significantly renovated a few years ago
10070 Elizabeth Lake Road White Lake 48386 / 248.698.4800 spraders- on-thelake.placejoys.com
Waterside Social
Waterside Social is one of the more moder n, water front restaurants on this list It is located in downtown Lake Orion, directly on the lake itself It’s setting is elevated with wide views of the lake with spacious indoor dining and a large, outdoor patio
Known for its scratch-made menu, Waterside Social features a mix of American comfor t food and creative dishes like house-made pastas, shareable appetizers, and handcraf ted cocktails Guests can ar rive by boat, and even order takeout for their trek back out to the water making it a standout lakeside destination Check out the restaurant’s themed events, which of ten include cocktailinspired outings for couples and groups alike
256 S Broadway Street Lake Orion 48362 / 248 690 7021 waterside-social com
White L ake Inn
White Lake Inn is a longstanding, casual water front restaurant and bar situated on White Lake within the township’s borders There are parallels to Sprader ’ s in that it is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its relaxed lakeside vibe and scenic views of White Lake
Pizza and burgers are the hallmark of White Lake Inn’s American-inspired menu with an ar ray of other sandwiches, appetizers and lunch and dinner items There’s an outdoor Tiki Bar on the deck and a dock for boats Beach volleyball leagues bring in patrons on summer weekdays and live music is featured on weekends
3955 Or mond Road White Lake 48383 / 248 887 1818
thewhitelakeinn com
L AKE INSECTS
COMPLETELY NATIVE AND A VALUED PART OF THE LOCAL ECOSYSTEM
B Y MIKE SCOT T
Aquatic water insects are some of the least studied elements of the Michigan lake ecosystem, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways for local residents to suppor t the insect population.
Unlike aquatic plants, inland lake insects in Michigan are completely native and a valued par t of the local ecosystem, according to fisheries and wildlife exper ts. They tend to congregate around the exterior of a lake, where they are more places to hide in the water bottoms from predators or to feed on plants and algae.
In a healthy Michigan inland lake, especially along plant-filled shorelines, it’s common to find dozens to more than 100 different kinds of aquatic insects and other small organisms, according to the U S Geological Sur vey, with diversity typically dropping off in deeper, open-water areas
The most diverse types of inland lake insects tend to live around the fringes of aquatic plants, and therefore closer to land, according to Eric Benbow, a professor in aquatic & decomposition ecology within the Depar tment of Entomology at Michigan State University That is why there is less diversity of insects at the bottom of small, inland lakes fur ther away from shore The density of insects is also much higher in rivers and streams compared to lakes for multiple reasons, Benbow added
College professor of biology David Houghton He is known for his work as an aquatic entomologist, specializing in caddisflies and freshwater ecosystems
“ You don’t see many (aquatic) insects under water out in the middle of the (lake),” Benbow said “ That’s not where they live ” Airbor ne insects are a different stor y, he added
Invasive insect species are not an issue for Oakland County or other lakes in the state, said Jo Latimore, a senior outreach specialist in the Depar tment of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University There are a few inver tebrates that can be damaging to a local system in other par ts of the countr y
“It’s not like airbor ne insects such as mosquitos which are a nuisance,” Latimore said “But we don’t have any insects that are a wor r y that live in the water ”
A higher percentage of aquatic-based insects reside in streams and rivers which tend to have more oxygen that is required by insects Some of the more common aquatic-based insects travel to lakes from connected streams, rivers and tributaries The majority of those live around the exterior of a lake by vegetation while some bur row into the base of the lake
“ There are ver y few insects that are (living) in the middle of a lake under water,” Latimore said “ The diversity of aquatic insects is much higher in rivers and streams ”
Some insects have specialized skills and needs that pre-deter mines where they live in a waterbody For example, some types of moths bur row into the stems of water lilies, so they spent their juvenile life within close proximity of those types of aquatic plants, Latimore said Fish, amphibians, birds, mammals, other inver tebrates, like spiders, and other insects are the secondar y production of the food web, said Hillsdale
Nearly ever ything eats these types of species either directly or indirectly Both adults and lar vae from these species are impor tant to that process, ” Houghton said
Among the common insects in freshwater bodies around the state are dragon flies, mayflies, caddis flies, various types of tr ue flies and beetles All have similar benefits as a functional par t of ecosystem’s food chain
Some have more predator y tendencies
Dragonflies are one of those predators that eat smaller insects such as mosquitos and mosquito lar vae They also ser ve as a desirable prey for fish in the lake, Latimore said Dragon flies spend time as a juvenile in the water and once they become adults they are able to fly in the air, of ten remaining near freshwater Dragonflies are unique in that they can spend up to two years in the juvenile stage before their shor ter life span as an adult, Latimore said
Mayflies are a familiar insect on larger lakes around Michigan Large groups of mayflies usually emerge from the water as adults simultaneously, which can make them a shor t-ter m nuisance to humans aesthetically, although they don’t bite or impact humans directly in other ways Almost the entire life of a may fly is spent as a juvenile in water where they feed on algae They bur row into a lake’s under bottom as a juvenile to hide from predators
An impor tant function of mayflies is that their flutter gills move food and oxygen along a lake, river or stream, which helps to transpor t items to the organisms that need them “May flies will swim to the sur face of water and shed their juvenile skin when they become adults,” Latimore said “ Their adult stage only lasts a day or two and during that time they are mating machines,” she added with a laugh Benbow indicated that non-biting midges, or treeflies, and mayflies are among the most common aquatic insects in Michigan Mayflies are of ten refer red to as “baited” mayflies by anglers, based on how they are used to attract fish and the fact that mayflies have
Dragonfly © Indy2320 | Dreamstime com
Mayflies © Aleksey Solodov | Dreamstime com
abundant volumes Large, sof t-bodied bur rowing mayflies are of ten used for fishing bait They are of ten refer red to infor mally as “fish flies ” “ They are of ten found in the bottom sediment areas of many lakes, but of ten not in open water areas, Benbow said They are highly nutritious for such fish species as walleye and perch
Mayflies, or fish flies, effectively consume organic matter, of ten comprised of dead leaves, plankton, fish skeletons and anything else that will fall toward the bottom of a lake The ability of insects control the amount of organic matter allows for more effective cycling of oxygen
for Animal Welfare Female adult mayflies are believed to live for a few minutes
Caddisflies have a longer lifespan than most other aquatic insects They can be mistaken for a caterpillar when they are a juvenile Caddisflies are not predators and like may flies feed on different types of algae They also ser ve as food for various types of fish Caddisflies look like a small moth to the human eye “ They need to (live) in shallow water where they are closer to food sources, ” Latimore said “ They require a significant amount of oxygen and rivers have more (oxygen in the water) ”
That oxygen cycling is a core process that helps to deter mine how stable a local environment is, based on how oxygen is supplied, distributed, consumed and replenished among different lake zones like the sur face, water column and bottom sediments Most aquatic organism like fish, insect lar vae and microbes depend on dissolved oxygen for life, Benbow said
Fur ther more, the carcasses of insects themselves, from flying predators to midges and mayflies become easy-to -find food for fish This in tur n suppor ts anglers as par t of a continual cycle
“For this and other reasons, midges, mayflies and other insects are incredibly impor tant to the fish population and bottom feeders in a lake,” Benbow said “ When these carcasses fall on land, they create huge volumes of biomass that are nutrients for other living beings This is all impor tant for the infrastr ucture of the (local) ecosystem ”
Mayflies also can become par t of the riparian food web, which refers to the interconnected network of organisms and energy flow that exists in the transition zone between land and water along rivers, streams, lakeshores, and wetlands This is an ecological distinction from the legal riparian proper ty rights, which gover n how private landowners interact with adjacent water bodies The riparian food web only overlaps geographically
There are also a wide range of tr ueflies that inhabit area water ways Many of these insect species are considered a nuisance to humans, including mosquitoes, deer flies, horse flies and both biting and non-biting midges As aquatic juvenile insects these species typically are largely hidden from humans Once they emerge as airbor ne adults they are considered to be par ticularly pesky Their life span as an adult in generally shor ter than as a juvenile
Water striders are another type of tr ue fly commonly seen on Oakland County lakes They have skinny bodies and are best known for walking on the sur face of water Their bodies are dark brown or black, helping them to blend into the immediate water environment Water striders are both predators and scavengers, feeding on small inspects like mosquitoes and various dead or injured organisms trapped at or near the water sur face
Male mayflies live up to a two days once they emerge from the water, based on multiple online scientific sources, including the Inter national Fund
“For some (tr ue flies), their eggs hatch into lar vae that looks like a wor m, ” Latimore said “ They might end up crawling on a plant for a period of time but ever y (species) is different ”
Finally, numerous beetle species are considered aquatic insects The whirligig beetle is notable locally as they are black beetles that faintly resembles a football These beetles are fast swimmers and of ten congregate together on a lake sur face, swimming for a location together
“ Their eyes are divided in two where they have
Water Strider © Skynetphoto | Dreamstime.com
True Flies © Jrxphotos | Dreamstime com
Woodhull Lake
Located in central Oakland County within Waterford and Independence Townships, Woodhull Lake is a 135-acre all- sports lake with a maximum depth of 56 feet. Fed by the Clinton River, it sits downstream from Van Norman and Townsend Lakes, occupying land once owned by its namesakes, John and Rachel Woodhull. The lake supports a diverse fish population, including largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, and black crappie. © Aerial Graphics
eyes that look toward the sky for prey and eyes that (simultaneously) look under water for food,” Latimore said
Some insects have up to 100 or more species living in Michigan alone, and hundreds more globally, according to Michigan State University Extension Most mayflies, treeflies, midges, caddisflies and other tr ueflies tend to emerge from the water as adults in late spring this midsummer, Benbow said That means these insects are hatching just as boat and beach season get into full effect in Oakland County
frequently found in cold streams and rivers, where their lar vae live under water and ser ve as impor tant indicators of high water quality
Peak emergence of adult aquatic insects tends to occur from May through July
Dragonflies, damselflies, different types of beetles, tr ueflies and more are among the aquatic insects that live much closer to shore They have more complex habitats in and around both native and invasive plants
Herbivores are comprised of various insects like caterpillars, leaf beetles and different species of aquatic insect lar vae that eat plants Some aquatic insects will also graze bio for m off rocks and plants, preventing them from becoming sources of large algae masses
There are few insects that are tr uly har mful to the lake ecosystem or the local environment around inland lakes Many of these insects also control the few pest populations that exist like mosquitoes
“If you have good, diverse insects that are predators they will consume mosquitos,” Benbow said “It’s among the various benefits of (inland) lake insects in that they also suppor t the food web, they can help with nutrient carbon cycling and carbon processing ”
The evidence that does exist about insect populations seem to revolve around native vegetation and pollution As expected, streams and lakes that are closer to urban or highly populated areas tend to be more polluted than those in natural areas Some macroinver tebrates are more sensitive to pollutants than others, according to Michelle Busch, an aquatic conser vation associate with Michigan Natural Features
“Of ten during biomonitoring, these three groups are typically highlighted, and their propor tion is used as a comparison to assess aquatic health,” Busch said “Ecosystems with higher propor tions of (those macroinver tebrates) are in better conditions that those with lower propor tions For reference, some of the more tolerant groups of macroinver tebrates include flies, wor ms and some snails
Many juvenile insects in and around Oakland County lakes lack the ability to defend themselves against predators They can effectively hide in shallow water, but even if consumed by predators like fish and birds, these insects eventually become a par t of the natural food chain It’s a par t of the necessar y lifecycle
“Insects are impor tant in many ways (to a lake’s ecosystem) because they are an easy to digest food source, ” Latimore said Each lake’s ecosystem also requires a high volume of these insects so that fish, birds and other non-insects have plenty of prey to needed to stay nourished
Fish are in par t insectivores with that food chain That includes many spor t fish such as trout, bass and bluegills, Busch said Fly fishers use different types of flies depending on the season and species they are hoping to catch, and the flies of ten mimic macroinver tebrates
“Some are made to look like lar vae and others are made to look like adults that may have recently emerged or are ovipositing into a body of water,” Busch said
Inventor y at Michigan State University Extension
She said the more sensitive macroinver tebrates to higher levels of pollution in Michigan include the mayflies, caddisflies and stoneflies, aquatic insects
There are many water birds that will also eat insects, including ter ns, loons and mergansers, which likely are consuming more insects in the lar val stage, she added However, most aquatic insects will emerge as ter restrial adults and then be consumed by other insectivore birds, bats, and amphibians
Different insects have different behaviors and occupy different par ts of a body of water, such as within sediment, on top of substrate, within the water column and more “Many of the predators consume different insects and are
Dameselflies © Zhiwei Zhou | Dreamstime com
Whirligig Beetle © Aditya Riski Aziz | Dreamstime com
adapted to hunting down their prey depending on those insect behaviors,” Busch said “Losing a type of insects due to pollution can lead to a loss of those birds or fish that can no longer effectively feed in a waterbody ”
Interestingly, the threats to freshwater insects in Michigan are largely unknown According to Latimore, the question hasn’t even been studied much The population of mayflies largely disappeared from Lake Erie in the 1950s and 1960s
Scientists suggested that water pollution may have been at fault at the time Mayflies retur ned to Lake Erie over the years as the pollution seemingly was reduced in the Great Lakes
reduced,” Latimore said A complete or majority disappearance of an insect species around a waterbody as happened 60 to 70 years ago is rare, she added
Researchers at several universities, including the University of Notre Dame and Virginia Tech, applied radar technology to measure the emergence of mayflies from the Upper Mississippi River and the Wester n Lake Erie Basin from 2012 to 2019 While the initial study was intended only to quantif y mayfly swar ms, researchers found a decrease of more than 50 percent in mayfly populations during that time, according to a Febr uar y 2020 ar ticle from the U S National Science Foundation (NSF)
The NSF suggested at the time that declines in water quality caused by nutrient and sediment r unoff and war mer temperatures may adversely impact mayfly sur vival
Latimore agreed that a population decline of native insects in any one area may be a result of multiple reasons, including water quality Regardless, pollution decreases the levels of oxygen in a waterbody Still, Latimore admits that there is no conclusive research she is aware of that identifies potential threats to the existence of aquatic insects
“ We don’t know much about how conditions impact the mor tality of (insects) or what may cause behavioral changes in them There really is no new research there I know of,” Latimore said
Insect availability is one of many reasons for a fish population on area inland lakes Latimore said that Michigan State conducts water studies where students collect samples of content in fish stomachs to track diets Malnourished fish can be a sign of lack of food sources, although insects are not the only possible prey If cer tain species of prey are hard to find, some fish consume prey that is more difficult to digest, such as zebra mussels That can lead to longerter m health issues in fish populations
“Either way we tend to spend more time looking at insect populations in streams than lakes, because there are more organisms in streams,” Latimore said
While lakefront homeowners’ associations and lakefront proper ty owners are faced with challenges regarding how to manage the growth of aquatic plants, there is no need to hire consultants or fir ms to “ manage ” an insect population, Latimore said It might be a different issue if there were invasive aquatic insects, but invasive airbor ne insects have no adverse impact on a lake’s ecosystem
“People have strong feelings about aquatic plants and how they impact views and lake quality,” Latimore said “ You don’t see those issues with insects It’s just a different situation ”
The level of healthiness of insect populations around lakes varies The best way to deter mine that level of health is through a bio monitoring program that measures the number and effectiveness of lake insects These programs are of ten led and managed by community and environmental based groups and consultants that have the knowledge to effectively measure a lake and categorize them in indices, Benbow said
It is also unknown how much of an impact, if any, that herbicide r unoff in lakes may have on the health of an insect population
“ The lack of mayflies can impact the fish population because fewer (flies) means their food source is gone or
“It can be pretty easy to see in some places, but the indices are of ten measured as good, medium or bad,” Benbow said
The Michigan Depar tment of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has a stream biomonitoring program Michigan Clean Water Corps, a network of volunteer water-monitoring programs that collect and
Deer Fly © Karl Ander Adami | Dreamstime.com
Horse Fly © Tolola | Dreamstime com
share data about the health of Michigan’s lakes, rivers and streams, also has stream macroinver tebrate data and collects such environmental data as clarity, chlorophyll, dissolved oxygen and plant infor mation
Even if a community is mostly composed of more pollution tolerant insects, that community of insects is still doing good things for the ecosystem, Busch said Many wor ms and snails are decomposers and work to break down materials to contribute to nutrient cycles They are an impor tant par ts of the food chain as a result “ They decompose materials, consume primar y producers, and are a food source for larger animals like fish,” Busch said
It is generally thought that the more diverse and functional a community of insects are, the healthier the ecosystem is Busch refers to this as the BEF theor y, or the biodiversity-ecosystem function theor y “Ever y (insect species) has a set of traits or characteristics that relate the organism to the larger ecosystem and its processes, ” Busch added The more functional diversity, the more functional an ecosystem, the more ecosystem ser vices are provided ”
Houghton said researchers at Hillsdale are on the types of detailed metrics that can provide a better sense of the health of an area ’ s aquatic insects “A simple sampling for species richness can tell us a lot We’re also looking at different ecological types of insects is indicative of water quality ”
tur n the entire shoreline into a beach Aquatic insects need woody debris and rocks to live ”
Houghton published a repor t on another study in 2023 with other researchers that analyzed caddisfly species richness across the same region of the U S
Dating to 2025 the researchers have used extensive sampling from nearly 1,000 streams It identified key environmental and human-related variables influencing species richness, with intact upstream habitat emerging as the most significant factor for about 40 percent of species changes
The study concluded that natural conditions like elevation and soil characteristics help the caddisfly population, but disturbances such as non-native plants and increased r unoff reduce the population Modeling results showed that habitat loss has severe impacts, with a 50 to 75 percent reduction in intact habitat leading to substantial declines in species richness
Overall, the findings indicated widespread local extinctions driven primarily by watershed-level habitat disturbance, especially in heavily far med areas
Houghton published a research ar ticle in 2021 that examined how natural and human-driven factors influence aquatic insect communities, focusing on adult caddisflies Researchers sampled nearly 650 streams across a large region of the nor th-central U S from 1999 through 2019 and evaluated how 52 environmental variables affected species composition and feeding group biomass
They researchers from that the propor tion of intact habitat, especially at the watershed level, was the strongest predictor of insect community health and behavior, with most species and feeding groups declining as habitat degradation increased
Natural features like stream gradient and width played a larger role in shaping species patter ns and diversity in some areas Overall, while natural factors matter in pristine systems, widespread habitat loss is the dominant force driving declines in caddisfly populations across the region Habitat loss is of ten influenced by humans
“ The worst thing you can do is dump chemicals in the water, like from changing your oil or salting your driveway,” Houghton said “If you live on a lake, don’t
“Natural variables like water temperature, latitude, stream width, flow velocity, etc , are less impor tant to caddisfly assemblages than human disturbance,” Houghton said
If a lake appears to represent a retention pond, which is designed to collect and hold r unoff from roads, parking lots, lawns, animal waste and more, it may have a lower than recommended number of lake insects
“Runoff can impact the number of insects that are in a lake (environment),” Benbow said “It’s one of many reasons that you want to eliminate fer tilizer, road salt and other r unoff ”
Environmental consulting fir ms can conduct biomonitoring programs, though they are of ten costly and time-consuming Community-based effor ts are another option These are frequently organized by local residents, lakefront proper ty owners and environmental groups who receive training or train themselves to car r y out monitoring
“Once you establish a baseline repor t, you can monitor annually and compare changes over time,” Benbow said “Community-based aquatic biomonitoring can be effective with the right knowledge and training ”
There are cur rently no state requirements for inland lake biomonitoring, Benbow said, though some groups voluntarily repor t their findings online
A decline in beneficial native insects can contribute to the spread of not only invasive plants such as Eurasian water milfoil and Star r y stonewor t but various
Midge © Joseph Khoury | Dreamstime.com
types of algae and other invasive species such as red swamp crayfish These crayfish eat submerged aquatic plants and uproot vegetation through bur rowing and foraging activities The loss of native bed plants removes a habitat for both fish and insects
There is no single solution to ensuring a healthy population of native insects in an inland lake However, restoring natural habitat conditions remains one of the most effective strategies
“ You want to do what you can to facilitate their colonization,” Benbow said “ That means addressing the root causes, restoring habitat and reestablishing native plant communities along the shoreline ”
Monitoring invasive plant species can also provide insight into the overall health of an insect population, Benbow said aquatic insects are tightly tied to vegetation str ucture, water chemistr y, and habitat complexity, he added
There is evidence that the nor ther n par t of Michigan has a healthier population of aquatic insects compared to souther n Michigan counties Outside of cities, most of the Upper Peninsula and the nor ther n Lower Peninsula have predicted species losses from original conditions of less than 10 percent There’s a line around Bay City and Midland extending a slight southwest angle west to Lake Michigan where species losses quickly increase to around 50 percent or more of the time
representative sample of insect population
Perhaps the best advice for lakefront proper ty owners to suppor t a healthy insect population is to maintain a natural habitat near the lake shoreline as much as possible, Latimore said That includes keeping as many native plants as possible, fallen tree branches and other native items there, even if it means a par tially covered view of the lake during war m weather months Limiting sediment r unoff is another recommendation
“Keep your shoreline as wild as you are comfor table doing,” Latimore said “It may have a positive influence on the insects you want (in water ways) Ever y bit of natural shoreline you maintain in theor y will help insect species ”
Aquatic insects play a foundational role in the health of inland lakes across Oakland County, acting as both indicators of water quality and essential drivers of the aquatic food web The native insect species ranging from mayflies to midges help break down organic matter like decaying plants and leaves, recycling nutrients and suppor ting oxygen balance in lake sediments
“Ever y time I analyze my data, with more than 900 sampling sites based on several dozen variables, I find that natural variation is (tied to) the level of human disturbance,” Houghton said “ The amount of habitat upstream of each sampling site that is disturbed by development and agriculture is now the most impor tant force that is str ucturing caddisfly assemblages ”
There is no magic way to ensure you have the right number of native insects doing the job they ecologically were bor n to do for an inland lake The best way to attract more insects is to help restore the lake’s habitat to its natural condition
“ You’re looking to do what you can to facilitate their colonization,” Benbow said “ You want to take steps to mediate the cause of the (reduced population), restore the habitat and reestablish native plant communities as best as possible around lake borders ”
Invasive plant monitoring is one way to get a sense of insect population, Benbow said Sediment samples are typically collected from lake or river bottoms Insects may also be collected from river bends or around plants using specialized nets to get a
These aquatic insects provide a critical food source for fish, amphibians, and other wildlife, directly suppor ting recreational fisheries and the broader ecosystem The diversity and abundance of aquatic macroinver tebrates are widely used to assess ecological health, according to the U S Geological Sur vey
Above all, lake ecosystems tend to be more resilient, with better water clarity, stronger fish populations, and improved nutrient cycling in lakes where insect populations are diverse and well-balanced Yet it is still incumbent on humans to do their par t
Busch said it is impor tant for Oakland County proper ty owners to remember is that the creek or ditch that r uns by their house eventually will join a stream, which come together into a river, then drains into their favorite lake and has an impact in other connected water ways In other words, ever ything in the watershed is connected Minimizing pollutants from fer tilizers to pet waste to household chemicals disposal is essential
Adding native plants will naturally conser ve water and creating rain gardens will help remove excess nutrients from water before it makes its way through the watershed, Busch said
“Even doing small things, like walking to the store or riding your bike more, help protect watersheds because so many pollutants come from cars, ” Busch said “Aquatic insects are essential par ts of our freshwater ecosystems and provide essential ser vices to keep our communities healthy ”
Caddisflies © Viniciussouza06 | Dreamstime com
White Lake in White Lake Township has a histor y that mir rors the broader development of inland lakes across Oakland County, from a natural resource to a recreation hub to a residential community
For med by glacial activity thousands of years ago, White Lake is a shallow, spring-fed lake that was originally sur rounded by dense forest and wetlands European-American settlement began in the early to mid-1800s, as logging and far ming expanded into Oakland County By the late 19th centur y, the lake had become a popular cottage retreat, drawing visitors from Detroit who built cottages along its shoreline
White Lake itself is about 540 acres and is the sixthlargest lake in Oakland County, according to the Michigan Depar tment of Natural Resources Roughly half of it is located in Highland Township
The shore of White Lake features numerous bays, with land extending outward in a long and nar row reach in several locations
White Lake is active in the middle of the summer, and boaters and skiers frequently come close to the shores of two small islands that sit as understated features of the landscape The smaller of the two islands at the south end is within the boundaries of Highland Township It has been known by several names over the years, according to the From Highland Township Historical Society An old postcard indicates that the island was once called "BiHu-Li" Isle or Island
The 2 5 acre island was eventually purchased by the now -defunct Southfield Presbyterian Church and eventually became known as "Youth Island" in recognition of its use as a summer retreat Two or three buildings, boys and girls dor ms, were constr ucted, one with a kitchen
A proposal was developed in November of 1998 to for mally change the name to "Hansen Island" to reflect the name of realtor David Hansen who purchased the island
The Highland Township Board of Tr ustees approved a resolution for the name change in November of 1998 and the county board in 1999 approved the change, but it was rejected in Febr uar y of 2000 by the U S Board on Geographic Names (USBGN)
The USBGN's official designation of this geographic feature is "Hubbels Island," with only one "l" and no apostrophe Moder n geographic databases also list Hubbels Island as an island within White Lake near East Highland and Seven Harbors
The other unnamed island is privately owned and occupied, and sits near the nor theast cor ner of the lake within view of the White Lake Inn and Jackson Boulevard It appears on maps without a for mal designation
While sounding vaguely Hawaiian, the name incorporates the first two letters of the last names of Messrs Edward J Bissell, Frank S Hubbell, and M B Liddell, all of whom were early and prominent patrons of the campgrounds on White Lake It later became known simply as "Hubbell's Island" or "Hubbell Island" af ter its owner, Frank Hubbell
Historic descriptions of White Lake available through the White Lake Township Historical Society, Oakland County, and other sources suggest that what was considered multiple islands of White Lake many decades ago were par t of a complex shoreline system that includes bays, inlets, nar row points, and other nar row projections of land into the lake This system gives White Lake a “broken” appearance from above
BY MIKE SCOT T
PHOTO CREDIT: AERIAL GRAPHIC S
BLUEGILL
Alderman Lake, Big Lake, Big Seven Lake, Buhl Lake, Carpenter Lake, Cass Lake, Cedar Island Lake, Chamberlain Lake, Clear Lake, Cooley Lake, Crescent Lake, Crooked Lake, Crotched Lake, Crystal Lake, Davisburg Pond, Deer Lake, Dickinson Lake, Galloway Lake, Graham lakes, Grass Lake, Hart Lake, Hartwig Lake, Heron Lake, Kent Lake, Lake Oakland, Lake Orion, Lake Sixteen, Lakeville Lake, Little Lake, Long Lake, Loon Lake, Lotus Lake, Lower Pettibone Lake, Lower Trout Lake, Maceday Lake, Mickelson Lake, Middle Straits Lake, Milford Millpond, Mohawk Lake, Moore Lake, Moss Lake, Orchard Lake, Otter Lake, Pickerel Lake, Pontiac Lake, Prince Lake, Proud Lake, Rose Oaks lakes, Schoolhouse Lake, Silver Lake, Spring Lake, Squaw Lake, Stewart Lake, Stony Creek Lake, Sylvan Lake, Tan Lake, Teeple Lake, Tipsico Lake, Union Lake, Upper Silver Lake, Valley Lake, White Lake, Wildwood Lake, Rouge River, Shiawassee River
BROWN TROUT
BULLHEAD
Clinton River (above Yates Dam), Huron River, Kearsley Creek, Paint Creek
Alderman Lake, Big Lake, Big Seven Lake, Buhl Lake, Carpenter Lake, Cass Lake, Chamberlain Lake, Crescent Lake, Crooked Lake, Crotched Lake, Crystal Lake, Davisburg Pond, Dickinson Lake, Galloway Lake, Hartwig Lake, Heron Lake, Kent Lake, Lake Oakland, Lake Orion, Lake Sixteen, Lakeville Lake, Long Lake, Lower Trout Lake, Middle Straits, Moore Lake, Orchard Lake, Otter Lake, Pontiac Lake, Prince Lake, Proud Lake (upper), Silver Lake, Stony Creek Lake, Sylvan Lake, Teeple Lake, Tipsico Lake, Valley Lake, White Lake, Wildwood Lake, Wolverine Lake
CARP
Big Lake, Big Seven Lake, Cass Lake, Cedar Island Lake, Crystal Lake, Heron Lake, Kent Lake, Lake Oakland, Lake Orion, Middle Straits Lake, Pontiac Lake, Proud Lake (upper & lower), Stony Creek Lake, Upper Silver Lake, Valley Lake, White Lake, Wildwood Lake, Wolverine Lake
CATFISH
CISCO
CRAPPIE
Big Lake, Carpenter Lake, Pontiac Lake, Stony Creek Lake, Tipsico Lake, Valley Lake, Wildwood Lake
Cass Lake, Cedar Island Lake, Deer Lake, Maceday Lake, Silver Lake, Union Lake
Alderman Lake, Big Lake, Big Seven Lake, Buhl Lake, Cass Lake, Cedar Island Lake, Chamberlain Lake, Clear Lake, Crescent Lake, Crooked Lake, Crotched Lakes, Crystal Lake, Deer Lake, Dickinson Lake, Galloway Lake, Graham lakes, Heron Lake, Kent Lake, Lake Oakland, Lake Orion, Lake Sixteen, Lakeville Lake, Long Lake, Loon Lake, Lotus Lake, Lower Pettibone Lake, Maceday Lake, Mickelson Lake, Middle Straits Lake, Moore Lake, Orchard Lake, Otter Lake, Pontiac Lake, Prince Lake, Proud Lake (upper & lower), Silver Lake, Squaw Lake, Stewart Lake, Stony Creek Lake, Sylvan Lake, Tan Lake, Teeple Lake, Tipsico Lake, Union Lake, Upper Silver Lake, Valley Lake, White Lake, Wildwood Lake, Wolverine Lake, Woodhull Lake
LARGEMOUTH BASS
Alderman Lake, Big Lake, Big Seven Lake, Buhl Lake, Carpenter Lake, Cass Lake, Cedar Island Lake, Clear Lake, Crescent Lake, Crooked Lake, Crotched Lake, Crystal Lake, Davisburg Pond, Dickinson Lake, Galloway Lake, Graham lakes, Hartwig Lake, Heron Lake, Kent Lake, Lake Oakland, Lake Orion, Lake Sixteen, Lakeville Lake, Long Lake, Loon Lake, Lotus Lake, Lower Pettibone Lake, Lower Trout Lake, Maceday Lake, Mickelson Lake, Middle Straits Lake, Moore Lake, Orchard Lake, Otter Lake, Pickerel Lake, Pontiac Lake, Prince Lake, Proud Lake (upper & lower), Rose Oaks lakes, Shiawassee River, Silver Lake, Squaw Lake, Stewart Lake, Stony Creek Lake, Sylvan Lake, Tan Lake, Teeple Lake, Tipsico Lake, Union Lake, Upper Silver Lake, Valley Lake, White Lake, Wildwood Lake, Wolverine Lake, Woodhull Lake
NORTHERN PIKE
Big Lake, Big Seven Lake, Buhl Lake, Cass Lake, Cedar Island Lake, Chamberlain Lake, Clear Lake, Crescent Lake, Crooked Lake, Crotched Lake, Crystal Lake, Deer Lake, Dickinson Lake, Graham lakes, Hartwig Lake, Heron Lake, Kent Lake, Lake Oakland, Lake Orion, Lakeville Lake, Long Lake, Loon Lake, Lotus Lake, Lower Pettibone Lake, Maceday Lake, Mickelson Lake, Middle Straits Lake, Moore Lake, Orchard Lake, Otter Lake, Pontiac Lake, Rose Oaks lakes, Shiawassee River, Silver Lake, Squaw Lake, Stony Creek Lake, Sylvan Lake, Tan Lake, Tipsico Lake, Union Lake, Valley Lake, White Lake, Wildwood Lake, Wolverine Lake, Woodhull Lake
RAINBOW TROUT
SMALLMOUTH BASS
SUCKERS
Clinton River (above Yates Dam), Huron River, Lotus Lake, Maceday Lake, Paint Creek
Cass Lake, Cedar Island Lake, Kent Lake, Long Lake, Loon Lake, Middle Straits Lake, Orchard Lake, Shiawassee River, Sylvan Lake, Union Lake, White Lake
Alderman Lake, Big Lake, Cedar Island Lake, Clinton River (above Yates dam), Kent Lake, Long Lake, Shiawassee River, Stony Creek Lake
Alderman Lake, Big Lake, Big Seven Lake, Buhl Lake, Cass Lake, Clear Lake, Crescent Lake, Crooked Lake, Crotched Lake, Crystal Lake, Davisburg Pond, Dickinson Lake, Galloway Lake, Graham lakes, Hartwig Lakes, Heron Lake, Kent Lake, Lake Oakland, Lake Orion, Lake Sixteen, Lakeville Lake, Long Lake, Lotus Lake, Lower Pettibone Lake, Lower Trout Lake, Maceday Lake, Mickelson Lake, Midlle Straits Lake, Moore Lake, Orchard Lake, Otter Lake, Pontiac Lake, Prince Lake, Rose Oaks lakes, Silver Lake, Squaw Lake, Stewart Lake, Stony Creek Lake, Tan Lake, Teeple Lake, Tipsico Lake, Union Lake, Upper Silver Lake, Valley Lake, White Lake, Wildwood Lake, Wolverine Lake, Woodhull Lake
Big Lake, Big Seven Lake, Cass Lake, Crescent Lake, Heron Lake, Kent Lake, Lake Orion, Long Lake, Lotus Lake, Maceday Lake, Pontiac Lake, Silver Lake, Stony Creek Lake, Sylvan Lake, Union Lake, White Lake, Wolverine Lake
Alderman Lake, Big Lake, Cass Lake, Clear Lake, Crescent Lake, Clear Lake, Graham lakes, Lakeville Lake, Long Lake, Lotus Lake, Lower Pettibone Lake, Lower Trout Lake, Maceday Lake, Mickelson Lake, Otter Lake, Proud Lake (upper), Squaw Lake, Stony Creek Lake, Tan Lake, Union Lake, White Lake, Wolverine Lake
T H R E AT E N E D P L A N E T
Threatened Planet is a newsletter of curated information gleaned from over 30 print and online news sources where reliable information is provided on the health of the environment and the efforts to remedy problems facing the planet We constantly monitor a diverse list of sources – the major daily newspapers in the country and in Europe, a variety of scientific journals and government websites, along with newsletters from environmental groups, as well as a wide-ranging list of other reliable print and online news outlets. For those concerned about the environment, we do the legwork by aggregating relevant information from a wide swath of sources and attempt to offer links mostly to those sources not restricted by a paywall Those interested can sign up for the newsletter at ThreatenedPlanet com
Research and composition of the Threatened Planet newsletter is the work of Austen Hohendorf
The Senate passed a resolution allowing mining from one of the largest expanses of federally protected forests in the U S that environmentalists say could devastate fragile ecosystems (Maxine Joselow/The New York Times)
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The head of the Inter national Energy Agency said Europe has six weeks or so of jet fuel yet and war ns of flight cancellations soon if oil supplies remain blocked by the Iran war (John Leicester/The Associated Press)
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The Tr ump administration is overhauling the U.S. Forest Ser vice, including shuttering research facilities across 31 states Critics say that makes room for lumber lobbyists and less for forest science (Bill McKibben/The New Yorker)
A new assessment finds emperor penguins and fur seals are now classified as endangered wildlife driven by global war ming (Rachel Nuwer/The New York Times)
The state of Califor nia plans to transfor m Humboldt Bay into the world’s deepest floating offshore wind far m to reach its 100 percent clean energy goal by 2045 (Hayley Smith/The LA Times)
Following a snow drought and heat wave, states in the wester n U.S. are implementing water use restrictions earlier than usual (Kiley Price/Inside Climate News) ▾
The Supreme Cour t r uled Chevron can fight an environmental damage lawsuit in federal cour t, which could hamper future effor ts to hold oil companies accountable (Julian Mark/The Washington Post)
Per mits from natural gas projects linked to 11 data centers have the potential to emit more than 129 million tons of greenhouse gases per year (Molly Taf t/Wired)
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A newly released repor t says the Potomac River is the most endangered river in the countr y driven by the recent sewage spill and data center waste in the region (Dana Hedgpeth/The Washington Post)
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Michigan’s recycling rate reached a record high for the fif th year in a row as Michiganders recycled more than 800,000 tons of material last year (Hannah McIlree/CBS News Detroit)
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In Australia, scientists are testing “frog saunas” to revive species from extinction driven by a deadly fungus (Adele Peters/Fast Company)
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Heres how the scarlet monkeyflower rapid evolution and adaption to drought saved itself from extinction (Sarah Kaplan/The Washington Post)
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The Ocean Conser vancy created the Wildlife Impact Calculator to help people calculate how many marine animals they can save by cleaning up different types of plastic off the beach (Kristin Toussaint/FastCompany)
Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/ created each month by Gigi Nichols who can be reached at GigiNichols@DowntownPublications com with news items or tips, on or off the record.
Sidecar Slider Bar has a new location
Sidecar Slider Bar, a Michigan-based gour met slider restaurant, continues its expansion with a new location in Bloomfield Township Founded in early 2016 by Dan Linnen and his business par tner Stephen Simon, the brand has quickly become a Metro Detroit favorite, now boasting nine locations and growing The newest restaurant, located at 1952 S Telegraph Road just nor th of Carl’s Golfland, marks an impor tant milestone for the company Owned and operated by Gar y Glorio, it is the first franchised Sidecar Slider Bar location The Bloomfield Township restaurant features the brand’s signature design, including black-and-white checkerboard flooring, cozy booth seating, and additional tables alongside a bar counter Spor ts fans will feel right at home with 43 TVs positioned throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces, making it an ideal destination for catching the big game The slidercentric menu features a combination of 19 unique slider options A variety of shareables, salads, and soups round out the offerings Guests can also enjoy a fullser vice bar offering handcraf ted cocktails, wine, and 12 rotating beer taps Additional amenities include a private event space that seats up to 28 guests, as well as a dedicated game room 1952 S Telegraph Road, Bloomfield sidecarsliderbar com
Renovations at Forest
Samy Eid, owner of Chickpea Hospitality, announced in his newsletter a strategic new chapter for Bir mingham’s Forest as the restaurant celebrates its 10-year anniversar y Drawing on past success par ticularly a transfor mative 2009 remodel of Phoenicia Eid emphasizes the impor tance of periodic reinvestment to maintain competitiveness and avoid stagnation in the hospitality industr y Forest temporarily closed March 28 for a full remodel, with reopening planned for early May to align with its spring menu launch and patio season The renovation will focus on both front- and back- of-house improvements, including upgraded kitchen equipment to enhance operational efficiency and empower culinar y innovation A key priority is employee investment, ensuring staff especially leadership figures like Executive Chef Talia Clark and Managing Par tner Nick Janutol have the tools and environment needed to elevate the restaurant’s offerings While physical and menu updates are planned, Eid stresses that Forest’s core
identity chef-driven cuisine, high-quality ser vice, and war m atmosphere will remain intact Strategically, the relaunch aims to reposition Forest from a “hidden neighborhood gem ” to a more prominent dining destination, overcoming location-based visibility challenges With design par tners engaged and targeted enhancements under way, the remodel is intended to move Forest from “ a hidden gem ” to “the spotlight ” 735 Forest Ave, Bir mingham forestbir mingham.com
Balam Coffee and W ine Bar opens in Ferndale
Sandra Haro and Jose Granados, the sister-andbrother team behind Mezcal Mexican Bar & Kitchen have expanded their footprint in downtown Fer ndale with the opening of Balam Coffee & Wine The café, wine bar and gathering space is located at 207 E Nine Mile Road Balam is located just steps from their original restaurant, which opened in late 2021 The café will feature traditional Mexican coffee beverages including: Mazapan, inspired by the iconic De la Rosa peanut candy; Chocolate Abuelita, made with espresso and Abuelita chocolate; and Mexican Wedding Cake, inspired by traditional pecan cookies Coffee will be sourced directly from Mexico and South America and paired with Mexican pastries, empanadas, wraps, salads and fresh juices Additionally, Balam offers a wine-for ward experience highlighting a rotating selection of Latin American red and white wines, including distinctive pours such as Trivento’s White Malbec and Santa Julia’s El Zor rito Natural Orange Chardonnay In Mayan culture, Balam is the word for “jaguar,” the most sacred and power ful animal in Mesoamerican mythology It represents a complex blend of physical ferocity, spiritual protection and divine authority “ The jaguar is a protector and a strong animal in the culture,” said Haro “ That meaning resonated with us as we thought about creating a space that feels welcoming, intentional and rooted in our heritage ” Our goal with Balam is to create something that feels different but familiar,” added Granados “It’s a place to slow down, enjoy great coffee or wine, and experience flavors tied to Latin American culture ” 207 E. Nine Mile Road balamcoffeeandwine.com
New restaurant for Adam Merkel Restaurant Group
Little Bella’s Pizza & Wine Bar has officially opened at 100 S Main Street in Royal Oak The restaurant sits just below its roof top counterpar t, Bella Limone, which debuted in August and is described on its website as “the darker, late-night sister to Bella Limone a subter ranean escape where handmade dough, bright tomatoes, and uncompromising wine do the talking curated for the midnight crowd ” Like Bella Limone, Little Bella’s is par t of the Adam Merkel Restaurant Group, known for several popular destinations including Diamonds Steak
& Seafood, The Silver Pig, and Cello Italian Restaurant in Howell “Little Bella’s was designed to feel fun, inviting, and a little unexpected,” said Merkel in a news release “ We wanted to create a space with real soul and personality great pizza, a thoughtfully curated wine and cocktail program, and an atmosphere that feels stylish, comfor table, and full of energy ” The space reflects that vision with a bold, eclectic, and slightly vintage-inspired interior Dark blue walls are ador ned with a galler y-style collection of gold-framed mir rors and black-and-white photography, while a striking wine glass chandelier ser ves as the dining room ’ s centerpiece In the kitchen, Chef Kwontrell Stowers for merly Chef de Cuisine at Bir mingham’s acclaimed Adachi leads the culinar y program The menu ’ s emphasis is brick oven pizzas alongside a selection of shareable plates and hear ty entrees Standout dishes include Handmade Tor telloni with spinach, fresh ricotta, and palomino sauce; Chicken Marsala with cremini and king tr umpet mushrooms, ser ved with EVOO -poached potatoes; and Gnocchi Genovese featuring ricotta gnocchi, braised beef shank, pecorino, and par mesan 100 S Main St Floor 1, Royal Oak littlebellasroyaloak com
Popular Detroit restaurants announce closings
Af ter 11 years, Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria and Brewer y located in Midtown Detroit has closed its doors A social media post from the owners expressed thanks to their customers and hinted at a new location opening in the future “ We are so grateful for the love, suppor t, and memories you ’ ve shared with us over the years, it has tr uly meant ever ything,” the post said “ This isn’t goodbye, just see you soon JP will be back in Detroit, and we can’t wait to share what’s next ” The eater y gained notoriety back in Januar y of 2016 when it was selected as a lunch stop for President Barack Obama, before he headed to the Nor th American Inter national Auto Show
Highlands Detroit, located on the 71 and 72nd floors of the Renaissance Center has announced that it will close in May of 2027 The Summit, famous for its revolving floor which provided an ever-changing view of Windsor and the Detroit skyline for all diners, was the first restaurant to occupy the iconic space in 1977 Then, restaurateur Matt Prentice opened Coach Insignia which operated from 2004 to 2017 The Highlands Detroit launched in November 2019 with James Beard award winning chef Shawn McClain
Ver tical Detroit Wine Bar, owned and operated by the father-daughter team of James Lutf y and Rémy Lutf y, has closed shop as of March 28 The popular wine bar opened in 2015 in downtown Detroit’s Har monie Park and had been honored multiple times by Wine Spectator “Af ter an incredible decade of ser ving the Detroit community, we have made the decision to close our doors here at Ver tical Detroit
Lakefront homeowners in Oakland County are a special set and now they have their own special niche publication.
LAKE MAGAZINE
Upscale, full- color, direct mailed to over 17,000 homes on the shores of Oakland County ’s waterways. Produced by a seasoned group of award-winnng professionals directing their talents to the issues surrounding the concerns of living on the waterfronts.
Ride on our coattails into the homes of this important, affluential segment of the buying public before the start of each month.
Contact Pat Collins at 586.215.1400 or PatCollins@DowntownPublications.com to discuss how to include your message.
July issue reservation deadline is Friday, June 5. Issue mailed June 23.
A) Oxford Multi includes: Cedar, Clear, Long, Squaw, Michelson & Tan Lakes
B) Waterford Multi includes: Cemetery(Middle), Dollar, Greens, Maceday, Lotus, Lester, Van Norman, Williams, Mohawk, Wormer, Schoolhouse, Silver, Upper Silver & Loon Lakes
C) The Loon Lake control structure also controls Mohawk, Wormer, Schoolhouse Silver & Upper Silver Lakes
D) The Van Norman control structure also controls Green, Maceday, Lotus & Lester Lakes
E) Lake Angelus, Huron River, and Clinton River levels are not under the jurisdiction of this office
F) The Dawson Mill Pond and Sylvan-Otter Lakes are controlled by the Price Dam
G) Crystal Lake is controlled by the Walter Moore Dam
H) Lake Louise and Huff Lake are controlled by the Ruth Johnson Dam
I) Waumegah Lake reading in N.G.V.D (1983)
J) Some Winter Levels are set by Court Order Others reflects customary drawdown
LakeLevelChangeSummerWinterDifference Angelus( Bevins(
BunnyRun( BushLake914.15-0.62913.60N/A0.55 Cass( CedarIsland( Cemetery&Dollar(WML)( ClintonRiver-M-59( Commerce( Crystal( DawsonMillPond( Duck( Fox( HuronRiver( Indianwood( Lakeville( Long(CommerceTwp.)( Loon(WML)( Louise-Huff( Middle&LowerStraits( Mohawk(WML)( Oakland-Woodhull( Orchard( Oxbow( OxfordMulti( Pontiac( Schoolhouse(WML)( Scott951.200.00951.00N/A0.20 Sylvan-Otter( Tipsico( Union( UpperStraits931.28-0.14930.80N/A0.48 VanNorman(WML)( Walled&Shawood933.30-0.20932.80932.100.50 Watkins( Waumegah( White( Williams(WML)(
(E)1.38-0.621.08N/A0.30 (J)992.72-0.08992.62992.120.10 (J)952.17-0.08952.30951.80-0.13 (J)933.20-0.05933.00932.500.20 (J)(C)(B)949.56-0.63949.30948.800.26 (J)(H)962.300.05962.27961.770.03 (J)931.10-0.08930.70930.400.40
THE
